Maximize your performance in selection exercises

Assessment centre and interview are the most common shortlisting methods used by employers to screen candidates. Good preparation is the key to show how your knowledge and skills are a good fit for an applied position and the organisation that offers it. Take a quick look at the reminders here and join the Mock Interview Workshops held during semesters. 

An assessment centre consists of a series of selection exercises to be completed within half a day or a full day at a company’s premises or virtual platform. The exercises may include: 

Aptitude and Psychometric Tests
Case Study and Presentation
In Tray Exercise
Interview
Networking Sessions
Role-play Exercise
Aptitude and Psychometric Tests
The most common forms of psychometric tests include personality tests, numerical and verbal reasoning tests, and abstract reasoning assessments. The purpose of these tests is to evaluate your critical and logical thinking skills, as well as your work-related values and preferences.
Case Study and Presentation
Case study aims to measure your industry awareness, problem solving skills, and presentation skills. Normally, you will be required to work out a business project or analyse a dilemma that you may encounter in a real work setting and present the findings either on an individual or a group basis.
In Tray Exercise
In tray exercise is a work simulation assessment where you will be assigned to a role within the company and handle a stack of documents including emails, reports, and schedules. You will usually be asked to design a work plan or identify business challenges and opportunities based on the information provided. This part is to examine your organization and time management skills, analytical skills, and ability to work under pressure.
Interview
The session will usually be arranged in a competency-based that you shall demonstrate relevant attributes required by the positions and the company. Interview questions may also relate to your performance during the assessment centre.
Networking Sessions
Though an informal one, interviewers will observe how you interact with others, e.g. the receptionists, the HR professionals, and other candidates in a coffee chat session or a dining event, which will usually be organized in the middle or at the end of the assessment centre. You shall be polite, create a good impression, and show your curiosity about the discussion topics.
Role-play Exercise
In the role-play exercise, you will get involved in challenging scenarios that are relevant to the position you are applying for and invited to respond to the situations or clients. You will be given a brief about your role, the situation and the expected outcome. This part is to assess your interpersonal and communication skills, whether you are service-oriented, and your assertiveness to achieve the goals.

Dos and Don'ts during Assessment Centre and Job Interview

Selection exercises could be very stressful for candidates. Take a deep breath, keep the dos and don'ts in mind, and follow the eight steps below. ‘

 

Dos
  • Practise and plan ahead by familiarizing yourself with the position and competency the company looks for.
  • Read or listen to the instructions thoroughly as critical information will be presented.
  • Stay calm and positive! Take a deep breath when you are panic or even though you cannot complete the assessments.
  • Be polite and friendly to everyone you meet and join the conversation during breaks or meals.
  • Be yourself! Your personality will shine through and convince the recruiters of how well you will match with the role and organisation.
Don'ts
  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions when it is appropriate to do so.
  • Don’t dominate or undermine other candidates in group discussions. Build rapport with your teammates.
  • Don’t act abusively when you are in disagreement or conflict with the group.
  • Don’t dwell on mistakes! Keep going and focus on performing well in the next task or question.
  • Don't let comparison affect your performance. Concentrate on your key attributes.

8 steps for a Successful Interview!

Before Interview

  • Familiarize yourself with the company background, business and latest development by browsing their website and social media platforms.
  • Consult people from your network who work in the company or the industry to learn the workplace culture. 
  • Read news and publication to sharpen your industry knowledge.

 

·         Prepare a one to two-minute introduction of your relevant past experiences. 

·         Map your own values, experiences, and skills to demonstrate you are a good fit for the company.

·         Brainstorm your past accomplishments and challenging situations that would relate to the position. 

  • Study and practise the most common interview questions. Some examples are listed below: 
    • Tell us about yourself. 
    • What is your understanding of the position and why do you want to apply? 
    • What do you know about our company? 
    • Tell us about one of the challenging situations you encountered. 
    • Tell us about one of your greatest accomplishments.
    • In what significant ways can you contribute to the team/organization?
    • How do you feel if ......?
  • Secure a quiet area for virtual assessment and interview.
  • Test the network reception and equipment to prevent technical glitches occurred during the interview.
  • Fix the position of your camera so that your background is clean, free of distractions, and with good lighting. 
  • Avoid having a bright light or window behind you. Use a professional virtual background if necessary.
  • Prepare several questions for the employers to show your genuine interest in the job and company.
  • Never ask questions, e.g. the remuneration package, that will leave the interviewer with a negative impression.
  • Show your passion by preparing a follow-up question. Example questions you may consider.
    • What is the corporate culture and team working style?

What are the key attributes you look for in this position?

·       

 

·         Business professional attire is generally expected.

·         Make sure what you wear is neat and comfortably fit and matches your image.

·         Wear subtle and minimal accessories. Don’t use excessive perfume and make-up. 

During Interview

·         Arrive 10 to 15 minutes earlier than the interview time so that you can relax.

·         Traffic and parking difficulties are not acceptable. Find out in advance how to arrive at the company’s premises.

·         Greet the interviewers with a smile. Make sure your hands are clean and dry in case you have a chance to have a firm handshake with the interviewer.

·         Maintain eye contact and spend around 80% of the interview time looking at the recruiters.

·         Ensure your body language is appropriate, e.g. open gestures, avoid fidgeting.

·         Check your tone and speed of your speech.

·         Tell your story via STAR mode in two to three minutes.

·         Situation: Describe a specific situation that is relevant to the interview question

·         Task: Describe the challenges and difficulties you come across

·         Action: Elaborate your role and the specific actions you took

·         Result: Explain results and accomplishments with facts & figures

·         Ask the employer questions at the end of the interview to show your enthusiasm.

·         If a phone or video interview is disrupted, apologise to HR by phone or email immediately and explore possibilities of re-scheduling.

After Interview

·         Jot down the interview questions that you remember. 

·         Take a brief note of what you have learnt and the interviewers’ names.  

·         Send a thank you email to all interviewers and hiring managers within 24 hours after the interview.

·         Reiterate the skills and strengths that you can bring to the job and the team.

·         Refer to specific topics discussed to remind them who you are.

·         Avoid bombarding HR by sending too many follow-up emails or calls.

Final Reminder!
  • Be respectful – Listen carefully and keep your cell phone in silent mode during the interview.
  • Be the best version of yourself – Let your personality shine through so the employer will know how well you will fit in.
  • Be positive – Take a deep breath and discover a coping method to deal with the pressure created during the interview.
  • Be prepared – Join mock interview workshops and talk to career advisors!